Learning Without Scars

Ron Slee
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As a third-generation educator, it is easy to say that teaching and training are in the blood for Ron Slee. From his beginnings as a coach, through his time at McGill University, Ron developed a foundation for the work he does today. From working within dealerships, to operating a consulting company, creating a training business and running twenty groups, Ron has been directly involved in this Industry since 1969. Ron has been known as the industry expert for years, and has brought this expertise to bear through his training programs. Today, Ron provides specialized, job function based internet based subject specific classes, job function skills assessments, as well virtual seminars and webinars. These courses are designed for manufacturers and their dealers, as well as independent businesses in the construction equipment, light industrial, on-highway, engine, and agricultural industries through Learning Without Scars (www.LearningWithoutScars.com). This platform is a continuation of the work begun by Quest, Learning Centers which was established in 1996. This training is aimed at improving dealer parts and service operations through qualified people that are knowledgeable in using operational metrics and current market and operational best practice methods. 

  1. How Concentration, Clean Data, And Customer Choice Beat Giants

    OCT 20

    How Concentration, Clean Data, And Customer Choice Beat Giants

    Send us a text What if the fastest path to growth isn’t “more leads,” but fewer, better customers you serve so well they never leave? We dive into the uncomfortable truth most teams avoid: value is concentrated, churn is predictable, and the difference between winners and strugglers is a focused list, clean data, and relentless follow-through. Nick Mavrick of Built Data joins us to unpack how behavioral data flips strategy from guesswork to precision. We talk about why 3 percent of customers can drive most of the revenue, how to spot the accounts worth protecting, and why chasing the bottom of the market burns time and morale. Nick shares lessons from rental consolidation and dealers under pressure, then maps a practical path for OEMs and dealers to operate from a single, shared dataset that actually moves the needle: national to regional account targeting, unified telemetry for proactive service, and outcome-based offers that make loyalty rational. We get tactical on carving out “special forces” inside legacy organizations to bypass slow systems and prove change in 90 days. Think weekend war rooms, a defined list of high-potential accounts, service promises tied to uptime, and quarterly reviews that reward implementers. We also explore the shift from selling iron to selling outcomes: cost-per-hour, automatic replacements at thresholds, and machine health monitoring that turns vendors into partners. Along the way, we tackle supply chain capital traps, competing with national rental giants via human service, and how to raise standards one name at a time. If you’re tired of noisy dashboards and stale models, this conversation offers a cleaner lens: begin with the end, market to a defined list, and serve the right few better than anyone. Subscribe, share with a colleague who owns key accounts, and leave a review with one change you’ll make this quarter. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    1h 4m
  2. Finding Joy in the 9-to-5: How Comedy Transforms Corporate Culture

    OCT 6

    Finding Joy in the 9-to-5: How Comedy Transforms Corporate Culture

    Send us a text What if the key to workplace productivity isn't another productivity app or time management system, but something far more elemental – laughter? Kevin Hubschmann, founder of laugh.events, reveals how strategic comedy breaks are revolutionizing corporate culture and employee well-being. The concept is beautifully simple yet scientifically sound: 15-minute comedy sessions that function as cognitive reset buttons during the workday. When scheduled during the notorious 2-4 PM energy slump, these "laugh breaks" reduce cortisol levels, boost endorphins, and help employees return to work refreshed and re-engaged. It's what Kevin calls "the new cigarette break" – a deliberate pause that acknowledges our biological need for mental rest. But the conversation goes deeper than scheduling comedy shows. Kevin explores how improvisational techniques build crucial "power skills" that distinguish humans from AI. As technology increasingly handles routine tasks, our uniquely human abilities – divergent thinking, authentic communication, creative problem-solving – become our most valuable professional assets. Through "laughing and development" workshops, teams learn to flex these creative muscles in safe, playful environments. The discussion takes fascinating turns through education reform, generational workplace differences, and how our lifelong conditioning toward obedience has created workforces that struggle with independent thinking. Kevin shares practical insights on bringing more authenticity to professional settings, making incremental changes that lead to meaningful growth, and creating environments where creativity can flourish within thoughtful boundaries. With predictions that 50% of Americans may lack skills for employment by 2030, this conversation offers a refreshingly optimistic counterpoint – a vision where technology handles the monotony while humans focus on connection, creativity and innovation. Ready to rethink how laughter might transform your workplace? This episode offers both the philosophical foundation and practical first steps. Subscribe to Kevin's newsletter at laughrx.laugh.events or visit laugh.events to explore how strategic comedy might revolutionize your team's culture and productivity. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    56 min
  3. Data Before Decision: How AI Enhances Dealer Operations

    SEP 29

    Data Before Decision: How AI Enhances Dealer Operations

    Send us a text What happens when you combine 40 years of dealership experience with cutting-edge artificial intelligence? Troy Ottmer returns to share how he's becoming "an augmented individual with an expanded toolbox," using AI to amplify his industry knowledge rather than replace it. Troy reveals his methodical approach to consulting—always examining the data before jumping to conclusions or AI-generated solutions. This process allows him to quickly understand client businesses by analyzing everything from employee satisfaction metrics to customer reviews, creating a comprehensive view that would take weeks using traditional methods. The result? Faster, more accurate insights that help dealers identify their blind spots and growth opportunities. The conversation tackles a painful truth for equipment dealers: those not adopting AI technologies will soon be left behind. But Troy emphasizes that implementation must be thoughtful, with proper training and leadership. "We manage processes, we lead people," he reminds us, highlighting that technology alone can't fix cultural issues like poor customer service or departmental silos that plague many dealerships. Most fascinating is Troy's discussion of missed opportunities in maintenance services. With dealers capturing less than 5% of maintenance hours—despite this being among the most profitable service categories—AI analysis helps identify these revenue gaps and create strategies to recapture this business. Troy shares practical examples of using data to identify customers with competitive filters or changing purchase patterns, enabling proactive outreach that demonstrates care and expertise. As dealership consolidation continues across North America—with major brands reducing dealer counts dramatically—the strategic use of analytics becomes essential for survival. Troy's message is clear: AI isn't about replacing humans but augmenting them, giving team members better tools to serve customers and anticipate needs before they become problems. The future belongs to dealers who embrace this augmented approach, combining the irreplaceable human element with powerful analytical capabilities. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    55 min
  4. Business Value and the Human Connection

    SEP 22

    Business Value and the Human Connection

    Send us a text What happens when you strip commerce down to its essence? In this thought-provoking conversation between industry veterans, we explore the fundamental truth that all business boils down to two people exchanging value—and everything else is just overhead. Steve Clegg opens with a powerful framework: the economy only functions through human exchange, yet we've built towering hierarchies of "rent-seekers" atop these simple transactions. Through cryptocurrency and AI, he envisions a future where these layers disappear, returning power to buyers and sellers. His work with Zentoro has achieved remarkable 98% accuracy in predicting customer retention through transaction patterns, revealing that frequency matters far more than transaction value. Venky Lakshminarayanan brings his expertise in value management, describing it as "orchestrating business functions to maximize customer value." He challenges listeners to question whether they truly understand what problems they're solving for customers. His insights on how value differs between enterprises (revenue, profits) and individuals (recognition, quality of life) provide a framework for aligning business objectives with human needs. Nick Mavrick from Built Data completes the picture by exposing how poorly most organizations support their field personnel with actionable market intelligence. He describes a world where salespeople lack basic knowledge about customer prioritization and market coverage, resulting in missed opportunities and frustration on both sides of the transaction. Among the most practical revelations is the "50-50 rule"—research showing that conversations where both parties speak equally are dramatically more likely to result in action. This golden ratio applies whether you're a doctor with patients, a manager with employees, or a salesperson with customers. The discussion also touches on the legacy burden of enterprise systems like CRMs, which have become expensive obstacles rather than value creators. As AI enables more agile alternatives at a fraction of the cost, businesses face a critical decision point: continue with systems that deliver poor ROI, or embrace transformation? Whether you're reconsidering your business model, evaluating technology investments, or simply trying to better understand customer behavior, this conversation offers clarity on what truly drives successful commerce in today's complex environment. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    1h 6m
  5. Value First, Technology Second: The AI Implementation Playbook

    SEP 15

    Value First, Technology Second: The AI Implementation Playbook

    Send us a text Technological revolutions come and go, but the fourth industrial revolution – powered by artificial intelligence – promises to transform business in ways we're only beginning to comprehend. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how organizations can harness AI's potential through value-based implementation strategies with Venkat Lakshminarayanan, author of "AI-Driven Value Management." The discussion quickly moves beyond surface-level AI applications to explore what Venkat calls "meta-level thinking" – the ability to discover solutions to problems we don't yet know exist. This cognitive framework represents perhaps the most valuable skill in navigating technological disruption: "Knowledge of what you don't know is the ultimate knowledge." For business leaders, the stakes couldn't be higher. As Ron points out, approximately 50% of businesses in the construction equipment channel disappear every 20 years. Those who fail to adapt – even while currently profitable – eventually become obsolete. The central question isn't whether to adopt AI but how to implement it in ways that deliver measurable value. Venkat's approach begins with discovery – understanding customer challenges before proposing solutions. This value conversation connects business objectives directly to quantifiable outcomes like increased revenue, reduced costs, and mitigated risks. What once required "hundreds of millions of dollars" in consulting, research, and specialized tools can now be accomplished more efficiently through AI-powered systems. The conversation takes a personal turn when discussing AI literacy as individual responsibility. Through the example of an overworked teacher, we see how AI can eliminate administrative burdens and create space for more meaningful work and family time. This represents the human side of technological advancement – not replacing people but liberating them from tasks that prevent them from realizing their potential. Whether you're a business leader navigating industry transformation or an individual seeking to develop AI literacy, this conversation offers valuable insights for thriving in an age of unprecedented technological change. The path forward isn't about technology for technology's sake but about aligning innovation with genuine human needs and measurable business value. Ready to transform your approach to AI implementation? Connect with us to learn how these principles can drive better outcomes in your organization. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    56 min
  6. Human Intelligence in the AI Era: The Future of Recruitment and Leadership

    SEP 8

    Human Intelligence in the AI Era: The Future of Recruitment and Leadership

    Send us a text The talent crisis in heavy equipment has reached a critical point. In this eye-opening conversation, recruiting veteran Jay Lucas reveals why technicians remain the industry's Achilles heel and how leadership failures are exacerbating the problem. Drawing from 30 years of experience and thousands of candidate interviews, Lucas offers a rare glimpse into why people leave equipment dealerships and what separates thriving organizations from struggling ones. His unique position as both industry insider and talent specialist allows him to identify blind spots that most executives miss. "AI will never turn a wrench," Lucas asserts, highlighting that while artificial intelligence threatens some white-collar positions, the demand for skilled technicians continues to outstrip supply. Yet dealerships continue operating as they did decades ago – forcing technicians to waste valuable time standing at parts counters rather than leveraging technology to order parts from their service bays. The conversation shifts to leadership challenges, revealing how many executives reached their positions through technical prowess or sales success rather than management ability. Lucas makes a compelling case for outsourcing non-core functions like recruitment and HR administration while focusing internal resources on strategic talent management that aligns with business objectives. Perhaps most provocatively, Lucas and host Rod Sutton discuss why employee engagement surveys often backfire when leadership fails to act on feedback, creating cynicism rather than improvement. They explore the parallels between Amazon's disruption of book retail and the opportunities for similar transformation in equipment distribution. Whether you're a dealer principal, department manager, or aspiring leader in the equipment industry, this conversation provides actionable insights on balancing tactical operations with strategic thinking about your most valuable asset – your people. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    1h 3m
  7. Two People, One Transaction: The Naked Truth About Money

    AUG 25

    Two People, One Transaction: The Naked Truth About Money

    Send us a text The economic revolution we've been waiting for isn't just coming—it's already here. In this eye-opening conversation, Steve Clegg brings decades of financial expertise to explain how artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are fundamentally restructuring global commerce by eliminating the layers of middlemen that have traditionally absorbed 20-30% of transaction value. Clegg's journey through international finance began in 1974 when, as a 24-year-old University of Chicago graduate, he wrote a paper identifying the three fundamental challenges of global commerce: exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate differences, and local pricing disparities. That paper caught the attention of Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns, launching Clegg into a career managing foreign exchange for major corporations. Now, nearly five decades later, he's watching cryptocurrency solve those exact problems he identified as a young economist. What makes this discussion truly compelling is how it connects technological innovation to fundamental economic principles. "There's no such thing as one-hand clapping," Clegg explains. "It requires two people exchanging goods and services." This core transaction—buyer and seller—has remained constant throughout human history, but the systems built around it have grown increasingly complex and extractive. AI and blockchain technology are now enabling a "great inversion," where technology supports rather than exploits commerce. The implications extend far beyond finance. Manufacturing cycles have compressed from years to just seven months. Energy production is becoming decentralized through mini nuclear reactors. Local food production via hydroponics eliminates transportation costs that typically account for 50% of food prices. These advancements suggest a future where communities can become more self-sufficient economic entities. Whether you're a business owner concerned about staying competitive, an investor trying to understand market trends, or simply someone wondering how these changes will affect your career, this conversation provides valuable perspective on navigating the most significant economic transformation of our lifetimes. The question isn't whether these changes are coming—it's whether you're prepared to adapt. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    1h 1m
  8. From Conventional Dealership to AI-Driven Operations: A Conversation with Troy Ottmer

    AUG 20

    From Conventional Dealership to AI-Driven Operations: A Conversation with Troy Ottmer

    Send us a text Troy Ottmer brings forty years of dealership experience to a forward-looking conversation about artificial intelligence and its profound impact on the equipment industry. Drawing from his unconventional career path—spanning automotive, medium-duty, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, forestry, and recycling sectors—Troy shares how he's leveraged AI to transform traditional business operations without eliminating jobs. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Troy reveals how he quietly began exploring AI applications around 2020, using it to process vast amounts of data from disparate sources. Rather than replacing employees, Troy's approach creates what he calls "augmented personalities"—empowering people with tools that help them work smarter and more effectively. "I'm not trying to displace people," he emphasizes. "What I'm trying to do is give that person an augmented tool set to be more effective at their job, because then they get a happier employee experience and better customer experience." Particularly compelling is Troy's practical approach to AI implementation in dealerships. He advocates for horizontal integration across departments followed by vertical deepening within each, approaching transformation iteratively rather than attempting overnight change. This measured strategy helps businesses avoid the pitfalls of hasty implementation while still making meaningful progress. Troy shares how these approaches have delivered tangible results, such as improving inventory turns from industry standards of 2-3 to an impressive 6+ through data-driven management. The discussion also addresses broader implications, including projections that AI and robotics could reduce the American workforce by 50% by 2030. This reality underscores why Troy's human-centered approach to technology matters so much—focusing on augmentation rather than replacement. Whether you're a dealership executive contemplating AI adoption, a parts and service manager looking to improve operational efficiency, or simply curious about how traditional industries are navigating technological transformation, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a future where technology enhances rather than replaces human potential. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers. We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

    53 min
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About

As a third-generation educator, it is easy to say that teaching and training are in the blood for Ron Slee. From his beginnings as a coach, through his time at McGill University, Ron developed a foundation for the work he does today. From working within dealerships, to operating a consulting company, creating a training business and running twenty groups, Ron has been directly involved in this Industry since 1969. Ron has been known as the industry expert for years, and has brought this expertise to bear through his training programs. Today, Ron provides specialized, job function based internet based subject specific classes, job function skills assessments, as well virtual seminars and webinars. These courses are designed for manufacturers and their dealers, as well as independent businesses in the construction equipment, light industrial, on-highway, engine, and agricultural industries through Learning Without Scars (www.LearningWithoutScars.com). This platform is a continuation of the work begun by Quest, Learning Centers which was established in 1996. This training is aimed at improving dealer parts and service operations through qualified people that are knowledgeable in using operational metrics and current market and operational best practice methods. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ron Slee
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Learning Without Scars
  • Show Website
    Learning Without Scars